Acer Predator XB270HU Review

The Acer Predator XB270HU is obviously on the higher end of the monitor market, not just because of the Predator branding, but it just flat out deserves the price tag. The XB270HU is a beast specs-wise, and more importantly, performance. Even if it’s successor, the Acer Predator XB271HU, is already available in the market, the XB270HU is even more highly recommended because it has gone down in price. Any Acer Predator XB271HU review compared to this model may give it a little advantage in terms of specs. Still, the biggest feature most gamers look for is always the price.

When it comes to gaming, higher refresh rates are usually recommended. Most of the times, these are TN Panels with low response times. Even the best of TN Panels cannot compete with the most mediocre IPS panel when it comes to color accuracy, viewing angles, and image quality. IPS panels usually have higher response times. So why not an IPS panel with high refresh rates? Well, there are some of them but they are all expensive. It’s either you give up the refresh rate for the IPS grandeur or lose the image quality for refresh rates and response times in TN panels. Response times and refresh rates are marketing buzzwords anyway. The performance gulf difference within mainstream monitors is not that huge—until you compare them to TV.

Specifications

Here are the basic specs for the Acer Predator XB270HU gaming monitor.

Size: 27 inches

Panel: IPS

Resolution (Aspect Ratio): 2560 x 1440 (16:9)

Refresh Rate: 144Hz

G-Sync Compatible: Yes

For the Gamers, First and Foremost

This monitor is aimed at gamers. Not all gamers have an appetite for an edgy design that pushes hardware into futuristic language or that pays homage to gaming hardware circa 2000’s. The Acer Predator XB270HU is somewhat elegant, a tad minimalistic. Unfortunately, those looking for an ultra performer with a svelte body will not find it here because of one single element: the exterior is mostly glossy plastic. Nonetheless, the build quality is fantastic. There is a little bit of red accent down the base of the stand. It is pretty obvious but will certainly not ruin any theme you are trying to channel in your set ups.

The IPS panel has a resolution of 2560 x 1440. The refresh rate at 144Hz is more than enough of a signal for potential buyers that they need a higher end GPU. The resolution is a direct mandate to own one. The resolution may not be 4K but still demands graphical processing power in gaming.

Speaking of GPU, it is pretty much a requirement to buy NVIDIA. You just have to be a full-fledged ‘Green Team’ member because of NVIDIA G-SYNC. If you choose to buy AMD, you cannot use the G-SYNC feature which may account for more than half of the price of the monitor.

What is NVIDIA G-SYNC?

G-SYNC is all about preventing screen-tearing way better than the traditional V-Sync option. This propriety solution holds the fort of rapid firing frames from showing up the monitor without the input lag normally associated with V-sync. G-sync allows communication between Nvidia card and the monitor to refresh in variable rates up to the moment that the new frame rendered is displayed. The results should be that the exchanges of frames are running as smooth as possible.

Connectivity Options

The Acer Predator XB270HU comes with a power cable, a 1.4m DisplayPort cable, and a USB 3.0 (Type B) cable. It is pretty safe to assume that the monitor offers DisplayPort and (USB Type B) 3.0 capabilities. To round it up, the XB270HU has four USB 3.0 ports. And that is it, no HDMI connectivity and not even DVI. With NVIDIA G-SYNCthough, you only need a DisplayPort. Options are always better and this monitor gives you an unfortunate limitation. For those thinking of mounting this thing over VESA, make sure you get the best one in terms of weight resistance. This monitor is pretty heavy and pretty expensive.

On-Screen Display

OSD is mostly overlooked in reviews, but in ours, we always take this seriously. We are not really comfortable with out-of-the-box presets of monitors especially in this price range. Before purchasing a monitor, it is more than wise to take notes of the On-Screen Display controls in reviews so that you will know if the monitor is reflexive when it comes to image quality.

The Acer Predator XB270HU is initially bit on the difficult side when it comes to setting the image quality. The menu navigation starts as ambiguous, fortunately, then it ends into a very familiar territory once the user tinkers with it.There are no controls that are buried into an obscure number of submenus. These are all straightforward that there are no needs for further explanation. Even if the user gets confused, the documentation that comes with the monitor is enough.

Speaking of the Speakers

Do not even bother in checking out the built-in speakers. Even if you sold your soul in order to purchase this monitor, the speaker quality is the last thing the manufacturers give attention to–if they happen to bother. The truth is, even a flagship smartphone has better speakers than whatever built-in speaker they have.

Above the Competition

For its price range, Acer Predator XB270HU is on top of the food chain. The only “con” we can think of is Acer is not a brand that is persistent in all territories. Warranty may be an issue so check the availability of on-location repair or nearby service center first before buying this monitor. Though you could always claim warranty from the third-party seller, it will take time, if God forbid, you need a repair. Regardless of the price and warranty, this monitor grabs all the right features from image quality (IPS), to high refresh rates, from competent OSD to proprietary features. Yes, you definitely need a NVIDIA graphics card to pair with this card and this may be a con if you prefer whatever AMD is offering. Not just today, but in the future.

Acer Predator XB270HU Review

Design - 8.4/10

8.4/10

Display - 9.0/10

9.0/10

Performance - 9.2/10

9.2/10

Price/Value - 7.2/10

7.2/10

Summary

The Acer Predator XB270HU is a great gaming monitor with a beautiful image and an incredible 144Hz refresh rate. It supports NVIDIA G-SYNC and has an IPS panel. If you're planning on getting this monitor today, you should go for the newer Acer Predator XB271HU instead.